Long Term Illness

[Irishmod]

I live in Ireland and I was wondering if anyone had applied for a long term illness card? This would then allow me get the drugs I need for free. Presently I must pay €144 every month. If anyone in Ireland has been successful and if so how do I go about making this claim. Thanks

[PVPVPV]

If it is an MPD you've got, you are entitled. If you are 60+ youare entitled. Otherwise, check with your GP or practice manager. Good luck.

[bruddery]

Hi there I live in Ireland - not eligible for a medical card or long term illness card. It was refused even though my doctor fought for it. However, after my doctor's intervention they did (previously) allow me a doctors visit card (DV), This however, is currently under review and I do not know whether they will give me another one! They will let me know by June 24th apparently. As for free drugs, not a chance - best you can get it a drug repayment card which means you have to pay the first I think 132 euro. (Mine currently are 88.53 per month). If anyone has any further update on any of this I would appreciate the advice also.

[Irishmod]

In Ireland we may just need to get together and get our condition recognised this may take time but the WHO have accepted this condition as a cancer. We have to start somewhere and then put our case forward. I have checked the list of illnesses recognised in Ireland as Long term illness but MPD's are not on the list but is this a surprise as its a very rare condition. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks

[bruddery in reply to Irishmod]

You could be right, maybe we all need to get together to do this. Maybe Maz has some ideas about how to go about it all. I'm not altogether sure my own team are very 'up' on MPD's, I did at the start have a fantastic haem. who explained everything well however, when I had to get an 'emergency' appointment I managed to get switched into another team, NEVER seen the consultant and have had so many docs. who have no idea. St. James' in Dublin might be a good start, as they do have a specialist who seems to attend MPD events?

[Irishmod]

Hi. I attend Tallagh Hospital in Dublin, I am due to visit on 17th June so I will ask him to complete a Long Term Illness form and see how I get on I will let you know. I did ask my doctor to send me for a second opinion so she sent me to Eibhlin Connelly in St James Hospital as she specializes in MPD's she was very nice I do get on with my haem in tallagh and do see him on occasion I would have liked to move to St james as they do appear to know more about the disorder but I did not know how to go about changing and like I said I do get on ok with him, I'm going to start with him and if I cannot get the form then I will send my request to James Reilly's dept. If we could get the confirmation from WHO to send it will strengthen out case. Its a lot of money to be spending every month I don't mind paying for other drugs I may need if I get a cold or something but I feel its not fair to have to pay out every month when someone for example with diabetes get their medicines paid for. I will let you know how I get on in Tallagh and in the meantime try to put as much information as I can together

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

Not quite sure what the regulations are regarding medical treatment etc in Ireland and how to go about getting the relevant authority over there to recognize the WHO classification of MPD being blood cancers. Can you give me some info on who in Ireland is responsible for overseeing medical treatment, then I can see what I can do. Thanks, Maz.

[Irishmod]

Hi Mazcd

Thanks for you offer to help its much appreciated. I have copied details from the HSE website as you can see MPD’s are not on the list we need to get it added? Anything you can do to help would be great, Their website is as follows:

Health Service Executive (HSE) Ireland

hse.ie

What is the Long Term Illness Scheme?

If you have certain long-term illnesses or disabilities, you may apply to join the Long Term Illness Scheme and you will be supplied with a Long Term Illness book. This book allows you to get drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of your illness, free of charge. It does not depend on your income or other circumstances

and is separate from the Medical Card Scheme and the GP Visit Card Scheme.

If you already have been given a Medical Card, you do not need to apply for a Long Term Illness book. If you become ineligible for a Medical Card at any stage, but have one of the medical conditions below, you should apply to join the Long Term Illness scheme to cover the cost of your medication.

• Acute Leukaemia

• Mental handicap

• Cerebral Palsy

• Mental Illness (in a person under 16)

• Cystic Fibrosis

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Diabetes Insipidus

• Muscular Dystrophies

• Diabetes Mellitus

• Parkinsonism

• Epilepsy

• Phenylketonuria

• Haemophilia

• Spina Bifida

• Hydrocephalus

• Conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide

How do I Qualify?

You must be ordinarily resident in Ireland and hold a PPSN. You qualify if you have one of the illnesses or disabilities listed below:

There is no income requirement or means test. If you have a medical condition that is not listed above, you should consider applying for a Medical Card or aGP Visit Card.

How do I Apply?

Fill in the application form which is available from your Local Health Office. Your doctor or consultant will sign the form to confirm your condition and list your medication.

How do I Use the Book?

A Long-Term Illness book will be issued to you if you are approved for the scheme. This book contains the type and quantity of the drugs or medicines you need for your prescribed illness. Your doctor will sign it and you can then bring this to the pharmacy when you need any of the items. If your doctor or occupational therapist prescribes a medical or surgical appliance, it will be supplied to you from your Local Health Office.There is no separate application form for medical/surgical appliances - your doctor lists the type of appliance in your book and signs it.